KUALA LUMPUR: Budget 2023 is not a populist budget but planned for continuity to benefit the nation and rakyat said Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

"It is not a populist budget. The budget has been planned and not done ad hoc," the Transport Minister said in the Parliament lobby after the tabling of Budget 2023 in Dewan Rakyat on Friday (Oct 7).

Dr Wee cited the RM60.9bil allocation for the Transport Ministry, meant to ensure continuity of projects such as the East Coast Rail Link, MRT3 and the Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double Track next year.

Apart from infrastructure development, he also said that the budget allocated for the ministry would benefit those in the B40 and M40 groups, particularly the youth.

Among the benefits, Dr Wee said was that the government would bear the cost for taxi drivers to obtain their licenses while helping motorcyclists riding without licences to obtain their B2 licences.

He also said the government would bear 80% of the contribution under the Self Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) for self-employed e-hailing drivers and p-hailing riders.

"This is a good way of providing social security protection to these groups," he said.

He also noted that some RM209mil would be used to improve rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak.

Dr Wee said Budget 2020 encompasses all levels and benefits those living in urban and rural areas.

On Facebook, Dr Wee also noted various initiatives mentioned in Budget 2023. Among them are;

– RM10mil allocation for vouchers for the people with disabilities (OKU) to utilise e-hailing services.

– RM9mil for the Public Works Department to replace ferries over 34 years old.

– Continuing the My50 month pass initiative, which has benefitted some 180,000 users.

– An allocation of RM10mil for the Skim Tekun Belia Mobileprenuer to finance the capital of young people involved in e-haling delivery service.